NYC-25$ - NYC under 25$

New York CityPASS® - Visit 6 New York attractions for just $79.00

2010-07-27T15:14:00.005-04:00

New York CityPASS is a dollar-bill-size ticket booklet containing six real admission tickets (not mere discount coupons or other reason to dip into your wallet again) to the most famous New York attractions and museums. Highly selective and deeply discounted, New York CityPASS includes tickets for one admission to the following must-see attractions: Empire State Building - 86th floor observatory (and audio tour); Metropolitan Museum of Art (includes all special exhibitions, $1 audio tour discount, and same-day admission to The Cloisters museum and gardens); American Museum of Natural History and Rose Center for Earth and Space (includes one Hayden Planetarium show); and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Two option tickets allow visitors to customize their New York vacation. Each option ticket offers admission to one of two attractions: Top of the Rock™ Observation Deck or Guggenheim Museum. The second option ticket offers a choice of a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises experience (2-hour Semi-Circle Cruise, 2-hour Harbor Lights Cruise, 75-minute Liberty Cruise, or The Beast Speedboat Ride) or Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (a ferry ride to Ellis or Liberty islands, transfer between islands, and return trip; on-own tour of grounds and facilities on both islands).

Booklet coupons offer additional savings: a $5 discount on CitySights NY Hop-on Hop-off tour, and Bloomingdale's Visitor Shopping Package (15% off one-day all-day shopping, gift with $200 purchase, and free dessert or cappuccino with entrée purchase in Le Train Bleu).

http://www.citypass.com/new-york

Sony Wonder Technology Lab

2008-10-06T08:36:00.007-04:00

So, our poll is now closed and readers want to know more about free stuff. Here it goes then!

Sony Wonder Technology Lab is a free technology & entertainment museum for all ages.

Everybody loves this four-story interactive science/technology entertainment center filled with gizmos, gadgets and cool information. You can produce a TV show, remix a song, analyze weather data, jam with musicians, produce a video game, or just chill out and watch high-definition TV in the state-of-the-art theater. There are also free movie screenings.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday noon-5 pm. Last entrance 30 minutes before closing. Free, but you need to make reservations one week to three months in advance (it's hardest to get tickets in July and August).
Some same-day tickets are available, but they go quickly. Movie tickets are handed out 15 minutes before the screening.

550 Madison Ave., at 56th Street
(subway line E, F or V to Fifth Avenue; 4, 5 or 6 to 59th Street)
(212) 833-8100 for information and reservations.
(212) 833-7858 for schedules.
Sony Wonder Technology Lab

Columbus Circle

2008-09-30T19:41:00.005-04:00

Columbus Circle, named for Christopher Columbus, is a major landmark and point of attraction in Manhattan. It is located at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Central Park South (59th Street), and Eighth Avenue, at the southwest corner of Central Park.

The traffic circle was designed by William P. Eno, a businessman who pioneered many early innovations in road safety and traffic control, as part of Frederick Law Olmsted's vision for the park, which included a "Grand Circle" at Merchants' Gate, its most important Eighth Avenue entrance.

There you will find the famous Time Warner Center, the two glass towers that hosts CNN and Time Warner offices.

At inside CNN, on the 3rh floor, it is possible to take a 50 minutes tour through CNN's studios. These tours start every 20 minutes.

At the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Central Park South (59th Street), and Eighth Avenue

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, everyday.

The CNN tour costs 15$

(866) 426-6692

NYC's Yearly Calendar

2008-09-29T20:28:00.008-04:00

Here you can find some of the gratest events on NYC's calendar.

Now, no matter which time of the year you decide to hit the Big Apple, you already know what awaits you. ;-)

If you, reader, know some event not posted in here, please leave a comment so I can edit this post. Let's all work together to compelate the best of NYC.

January - New Year @ Times Square; Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade; New York City Restaurant Week; Chinese Lunar New Year; Ice Skating in New York City.

February - New York Restaurant Week; Ground Hog Day; Fashion Week; Chinese Lunar New Year; Valentine's Day in New York City; Ice Skating in New York City.

March - St. Patrick's Day Resources; St. Patrick's Day Parade; St. Patrick's Day Pictures; Ice Skating in New York City; Easter Directory; Easter Day Parade.

April - Easter Day Parade; Tribeca Film Festival; Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden; Opening Day at Yankee Stadium; Opening Day at Shea Stadium; Earth Day.

May - Cinco De Mayo; Tribeca Film Festival;, Bike NY: Great 5 Borough Bike Tour (1st Weekend); Mother's Day; Dance Parade; AIDS Walk NY (3rd Sunday); Ninth Avenue International Food Festival; "Toast of the Town" Wine Tasting; Fleet Week; Baseball Season; Women's Liberty Season (WNBA); Memorial Day.

June - Museum Mile Festival; Belmont Stakes; Puerto Rican Day Parade; Met Opera in the Parks; Bryant Park Film Festival; Shakespeare in the Park; Mermaid Parade; Lesbian and Gay Pride Week; Gay Parade; Father's Day; New York Restaurant Week; Midsummer Night Swing; Baseball Season; Women's Liberty Season (WNBA); JVC Jazz Festival; Central Park SummerStage.

July - Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks; New York Restaurant Week; Met Opera in the Parks; HBO/Bryant Park Film Festival; Shakespeare in the Park; New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park; Midsummer Night Swing; Baseball Season; Women's Liberty Season (WNBA); Central Park SummerStage.

August - Harlem Week; HBO/Bryant Park Film Festival; Baseball Season; Women's Liberty Season (WNBA); Central Park SummerStage; Shakespeare in the Park.

September - Labor Day; Shakespeare in the Park; San Gennaro Festival; Baseball Season; U.S. Open.

October - Columbus Day Parade; Halloween; Fall Foliage in New York City.

November - New York City Marathon; New York Comedy Festival; Chocolate Show; New York Culinary Festival; Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; Veterans Day Parade; Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue; Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.

December - Ice Skating in New York City; Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue; Christmas Shopping; Christmas and Holiday Concerts and Shows; Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree; New Year's Eve.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

2008-09-28T17:51:00.004-04:00

Oh, this is such a paradise. Here you can find impressive savings at Burberry, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gap Outlet, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, J.Crew, Jimmy Choo, Lacoste, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Tod's, Tory Burch, Zegna and more, much much more.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, is an outlet center located in Central Valley, New York. The center is part of the Chelsea Premium Outlets group and takes its name from the town in which it is located.

The mall now has 220 stores occupying more than 800,000 square feet (72,000 m²) and is one of the largest contiguous outlet centers in the world. Due to its size, different areas are color coded to help visitors orient themselves; on weekends trolleys are available to transport shoppers from the parking lots and around the mall.
Due to its proximity to New York City, Woodbury Commons is a major attraction for foreign tourists visiting the region. Japanese tourists are the most common as the mall advertises in Japanese publications with the knowledge that the Japanese market sells the same brands for considerably higher prices. Some stores estimate that 40-50% of their profits come from Japanese tourism.

Tour buses and shuttles make daily trips from New York City, the center employs a staff of interpreters, and currency exchange and foreign shipping services are available on site. Guests are greeted in several languages including Japanese, Spanish, Hindi and Portuguese.

Register at their website and you can get many discount coupons, as well as to get a discount coupon booklet at the information counter once you get here.

Some people have no shame of caring travel luggage bags all around. And I strongly recommend you do the same. There are just too many stores, prices are amazing, so yes, a travel luggage bag with wheels will definitely be very helpful, instead of caring all those plastic and paper bags around.

Address and phone:
498 Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY 10917 (845) 928-4000

Coach USA takes you there.

You can also get a bus at Port Authority Bus Terminal, in NYC
42nd Street with 8th Avenue
39USD (round trip. And it's worth it!!!)

Official Website: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/

Shopping 101

2008-09-28T16:45:00.004-04:00

Whether it's shopping in upscale Madison Avenue or the bargain-friendly Lower East Side, the Big Apple offers everything for everybody. However, before going shopping in NYC, there are a few things you should have in mind that most outsiders don't know.

In my opinion, the most important information is regarding taxes. New York is a shopper's paradise; you can find anything and everything in the many stores throughout the city and now you can shop TAX FREE in NYC on clothing and shoes priced under $110.

For anything else, or prices over $110, the tax rate is 8,25%. That means that if you are buying a 100$ mobile phone, total final price would be 108,25$.

Get early to the stores! As early as possible. That will guarantee you good options, sizes and colors.

Most stores are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Department stores and outlets stay open until 9 p.m., as well as on Sundays.

Chinatown is always nice to visit, but not to shop, as you never know the true (or even legal) origin of the products.

If you are not comfortable with shopping by yourself at NYC, you can always join one of NY's shopping tours.

Another very good tip is to register at the store's website, this way you will get discount coupons by e-mail.

Although NY is the most expensive place to live in the world, shopping is the complete opposite. And there are ways to always pay less than the price tag says. ;-)

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

2008-09-27T21:26:00.008-04:00

Features aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the destroyer USS Edson, submarine USS Growler and over 25 aircraft.

One of the most successful ships in US History is now a national historic landmark, and one of the most unique attractions in New York City.

In 1943, the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier was commissioned for service in World War II and went on to serve as a primary recovery vessel for NASA and then in Vietnam. Today the museum features a range of interactive exhibits and events that make Intrepid a snapshot of heroism, education, and excitement.

Since 1974, when Zachary Fisher saved the decommissioned Intrepid from being sent the scrap yard, the Intrepid has become a true icon. His vision to honor US heroes by making Intrepid a lasting memorial to those who sacrificed for the country continues to be realized through the Museum’s mission to Honor those Heroes, Educate the Public, and Inspire the Youth.

Kids and adults alike find themselves immersed and inspired by the Intrepid Museum’s exhibits, which range from thrilling historical re-creations such as Kamikaze: Day of Darkness, Day of Light, to relevant displays such as Defending the Future.

While here, you can also ride in the A-6 Cockpit Simulator, visit the Virtual Flight Zone, or tour the inside of the world’s fastest commercial airplane, Concorde.

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located on the West side of Manhattan on Pier 86, 12th Ave. & 46th Street. It is easily accessible from all points in the New York City Metro area.

Intreip Museum Re-opening November 8th, 2008 - Check back here for ticket prices and daily time schedule.

Official Website for the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

Pier 86, W46th St. & 12th Ave.

(212) 245-0072

Empire State Building

2008-09-27T18:29:00.011-04:00

When you think of New York City, a few things come to mind within a second. The Empire State Building is one of them.

The Empire State Building has got 102 floors and is located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and West 34th Street.

Most people have no idea but, its name is derived from the nickname for the state of New York. It stood as the world's tallest building for more than forty years, from its completion in 1931 until construction of the World Trade Center's North Tower was completed in 1972. Following the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001, the Empire State Building again became the tallest building in New York City and New York State.

The skyscraper has one of the most popular outdoor observatories in the world. The 86th floor observation deck offers impressive 360-degree views of the city. On clear days you are able to see 125km ahead. There is a second observation deck on the 102nd floor that is open to the public. It is completely enclosed and much smaller than the first one; it may be closed on high-traffic days. Tourists may pay to visit the observation deck on the 86th floor and an additional amount for the 102nd floor. The lines to enter the observation decks are as legendary as the building itself, it takes around 2 hours. For an extra fee tourists can skip to the front of the line.

In 1964, floodlights were added to illuminate the top of the building at night, in colors chosen to match seasonal and other events (American or not), such as St. Patrick's Day and Christmas. Every September 7th, for example, the top is illuminated of green and yellow due to Brazil’s Independence Day. Another (famous) example is that after the eightieth birthday and subsequent death of Frank Sinatra, the building was bathed in blue light to represent the singer's nickname "Blue Eyes". After the death of actress Fay Wray (King Kong) in late 2004, the building stood in complete darkness for 15 minutes.

Weird information: Over the years, more than thirty people have committed suicide from the top of the building. The first suicide occurred even before its completion, by a worker who had been laid off. The fence around the observatory terrace was put up in 1947 after five people tried to jump during a three-week span. In 1979, Elvita Adams jumped from the 86th floor, only to be blown back onto the 85th floor and left with only a broken hip. The building was also the site of suicides in 2004 and 2006. The most recent suicide was by a lawyer who leapt from the 69th floor on April 13, 2007.

The numbers of the ESB.
Constructed: 1929–1931
Height:
- Antenna/Spire 1,472 ft (448.7 m)
- Roof 1,250 ft (381.0 m)
- Top floor 1,224 ft (373.2 m)
Technical details:
- Floor count 102
- Cost $40,948,900

Fee: 19USD for the 86th floor. +15USD for the 102nd floor.
From 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. (last elevator goes up at 1:15 a.m.)
(212) 736-3100
Official Website for the Empire State Building

Central Park

2008-09-27T17:14:00.002-04:00

When I decided to write all about my favorite city in the world so that anyone would know their whereabouts around here, I gave a long thought to what should I write first.

Liberty statue would be a nice beginning, but then, quite common. Same about the Empire State Building. And then it hit me. There are so many places from where to start this blog, and since I'm here writing about my favorite city, I may as well start for my favorite place in here: The Central Park.

Central Park is the lung of NYC. It stretches from 59th to 110th streets between 5th and 8th Avenues. On sunny weekends, the park welcomes the stressed-out New Yorkers. They come here to skate, to jog, to play baseball, or just to stroll. In summer, many locals, and tourists as well, come here to attend theater plays or improvised live concerts. During winter time, you can go ice skating or just throw snow balls at your friends.
Something that not many people know is that Central Park is a completely artificial park. Millions of tons of earth were brought here, and more than half a million trees were planted to bring some green to the Big Apple.

No matter the season of the year, Central Park is always an amazing place to hang with friends, for tourists to visit, to take a break during lunch time, to exercise, or simply go for a walk.

Once you are there, make a pit stop at the Dairy Visitor Center (at the center of the park, +/- 65th street) to get a map and the events schedule. Goog thing is that (almost) everything is for free.

The Dairy Visitor Center is open from Tuesday to Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(212) 794-6564

Official Website for Central Park